Favorites of 2016 & Welcome 2017!

While 2016 was rougher than some years, like any time period, it came with ups and downs.  Today, I'm looking back at 2016 and looking ahead at 2017.  Throughout this post, I'm sharing MY favorite looks or blog posts from 2016 in no order of preference! 

Wild Card Wednesday:  Who What Wear Slip Dress

One of my favorite aspects of 2016 was traveling.  I love traveling and actually had several opportunities to do so in 2016.  I went to NYC for an exciting blogging opportunity with my favorite fashion brand ELOQUII.  I was soooo honored to be the June Style & Substance feature, and the trip was a fantastic experience in which I met some amazing people, got to wear awesome clothes, and even learned some ideas for make-up and photography!  

Wild Card Wednesday:  The Floral Set

Wild Card Wednesday:  That Versatile Skirt

The second trip was to Panama City Beach for relaxation and fun with the family and some requisite Vitamin D.  I had a great time and it led to a swimsuit photo shoot that had me feeling all kinds of ways!  

Body Politics and the Not-So-Little Black Swimsuit

My last trip this past year was to Texas to see my grandmother who I would see alive for the last time.  It was a difficult trip, seeing how Alzheimer's had ravaged my grandmother's brain and how much she had deteriorated physically in the short time since she had moved from the St. Louis area to Texas to live near my uncle.  I was so grateful though that I had the chance to see her once more.  Even though she didn't remember me or my kids, the sweetness with which she interacted with the kids showed her true character and is a memory that I hope lasts my lifetime.

Manic Monday:  Nudes & Neutrals

Shop Your Closet:  The Blush Trench

Wild Card Wednesday:  ELOQUII Petites

I lost my grandmother in October.  And just over a month after that, my husband lost his father, and my kids lost yet another grandparent.

Indie Spotlight:  Honey's Child Boutique

Selfie Star

Donald Trump was elected president, and I continue to worry if 2017 will really be any better.  My fears aren't political, but because as an individual, I truly believe that Trump is grossly unfit to lead anyone, let alone the United States.  I believe that his general incompetence, apparent mental instability, and personal greed and interests could lead to some very scary outcomes for this country.  As a result, I'm feeling more of my activist spirit coming out, and I plan to fight against the destruction of my country through protest, phone calls, and my pocketbook in 2017.

Neon Lightning

Spring Double Feature:  Stripe Storm

Manic Monday:  Bohemian Florals

On the blogging front, things are looking up, and I'm soooo excited about launching my new blog next week.  Starting on Monday, head over to stylecassentials.com (no more blogspot) for a new look and feel.  I would love to hear your feedback on the new site.  I hope that the changes will make the blog easier to navigate and easier to catch up with your favorite types of posts.  To kick off the re-lauch, I also have some exciting giveaways planned, so stay tuned!  

Imitation Game:  Nicolette Mason

Indie Spotlight:  The Tiny Closet

Manic Monday:  Sugar & Spice and Everything Nice

2017 promises more fashion, more body positivity, a bigger, better blog!  I hope that you will join me on this journey, and truly, any and all constructive feedback is welcome!

2016 Re-cap: Your Favorite Posts of the Year!

Happy New Year's Eve!  I hope you have some fun plans for tonight whether you're staying in or going out!  We plan on staying in this year, spending some time with the kids drinking sparkling grape juice and maybe a little moscato.

The end of the year brings with it a time for reflection, and I always find it interesting to reflect on my most popular posts from the year - the ones that YOU clicked on and read the most.  Sometimes I see patterns or trends in what you liked which allows me to better focus my blog content.  So, even if you are a quiet follower, please know that you're still giving me feedback and that your support is immeasurable!

Without further ado, here are your favorite posts from 2016 ranked in reverse order from tenth to most popular:

#10 Wild Card Wednesday:  All The Bells and Whistles 
This soft textured look was a popular post not just on the blog but also on my various social media. 

#9 Shop Your Closet:  Plaid Shorts
This look was one of my favorites this year, and it was the most popular part of a trio of looks featuring these awesome plaid circle shorts from fellow petite plus Myrda J Designer Apparel.

#8 Getting Comfortable in PinkBlush Boutique + A $50 GiveawayEveryone loves a giveaway, and this post giving away a gift card to PinkBlush Boutique was a fan favorite.  This cardigan was seriously the perfect lounge piece!!

#7 Shop Your Closet:  Ruffles
I have been enjoying the resurgence of ruffles over the last few years, especially when this feminine detail is done in a sophisticated way that isn't too girly.  I looooove how this Eloquii tunic worked as a dress on my petite frame!

#6 Spring Double Feature:  Citron Chartreuse
Bright colors are always a crowd favorite, so I wasn't very surprised that this colorful citron and cobalt look was popular.

#5 Shop Your Closet:  The Blush Trench
This blush trench was a favorite piece of mine this year, and it proved to be popular on the blog as well.  The skirt and dress looks are some of my very favorite outfits from this past year, and I just love the color combos!

#4 Body Politics and the Not-So-Little Black Swimsuit
I didn't get around to doing as many body image related posts as I had planned, but this post about being a plus size advocate was my favorite and yours.  It doesn't hurt that I'm rocking a fantastic GabiFresh swimsuit on a beautiful beach either!  Wish I were there now!!!!

#3 Manic Monday:  The Relaxed Trench
This work look was my third most popular post of the year, and it's also definitely one of my favorite looks.  This year, I really fell in love with the mix of black and olive/army green.  Gold accents keep the color combo from feeling too drab and heavy.

#2 Top Ten Posts of 2015 + What's Coming in 2016
Apparently, you like these re-cap posts, as my similar post from last year had the second most hits of the year.  This look from 2015 continues to be a favorite of mine!

#1 Imitation Game:  The Blogger Midi
This skirt won the hearts of many bloggers this year, and apparently, it won your hearts too as my most popular post of 2016!  I styled this skirt several ways on the blog over the year, but this styling was the fan favorite. I guess chic really does happen!  ;-)

Just as dusters/soft trenches were a favorite go-to piece of mine this year, they took center stage on three of your favorite posts this year. 

My "Shop Your Closet" feature was also popular, which encourages me to continue to offer this feature in 2017.  I think it's helpful to see how key wardrobe pieces can be worn in different ways.
Hope you enjoyed this re-cap!  Did your favorite posts from last year make the cut?

The Ubiquitous LBD

The little black dress is a wardrobe staple.  It's the perfect go-to for pretty much everything, including work, casual days, dressy evenings, holidays, and more!

For today's post, I'm rounding up some of my favorite LBD looks through my years of blogging.  Take a look:

A colorful blazer is an easy topper for black dresses.

Left to Right:  Red Hot; Day-to-Night Dress Up

A mini dress is great for a night out on the town.  These are all from eShakti and custom fit to perfection!

Left, from top to bottom:  Saint Louis Fashion Week:  My Experience, My Fashion;  Cutouts and Lace-Ups
Right:  eShakti Holiday - 70s Child

Paired with a faux leather jacket, a black dress works for both weekends and work.

From Left to Right:  Savoring Spring; Black Is The New Black

A black dress in a relaxed shape is an easy choice for summer when paired with high heels (or flats) and/or a floral kimono.

Left:  Kimono for Date Night
Right, from top to bottom:  Black for Summer:  Fresh Picks from Torrid; Queen Cobra

An LBD is perfect for holidays and other special occasions, especially with tulle, lace, or metallic details.

From Left to Right:  12 Days of Holiday:  Black Swan; 12 Days of Holiday:  New Year's Cocktail

A white or ivory jacket makes for a graphic combination.

Left, from top to bottom:  The Essential LBD; Evening Textures
Right:  Manic Monday:  The White Blazer

The little black dress doesn't have to be so little...make it a maxi for maximum impact.

Left, from top to bottom:  Easy Like Sunday Morning; Black Velvet & 3rd Blogiversary!!
Middle:  Edgy Formal
Right, from top to bottom:  Earthy Glam; Wild Card Wednesday:  Leather & Lace

What do you think - are you a fan of the ever-versatile black dress? 

Top Ten Posts of 2015 + What's Coming in 2016!!

Happy New Year!!  I love the new year because it always feels like a fresh start.  Yes, it's an arbitrary date to start over, but it's a symbolic benchmark of the potential that the future may bring, which brings with it the impetus for change.

I always like to set goals for my blog, and for 2016, I hope to continue to improve photography, something I worked on in 2015 but which often proves difficult due to logistics of a full-time+ job, crazy weather, and a reliance on my children as photographers.  If you're a student/amateur photographer in the St. Louis area who wants to build their portfolio and get social media exposure in exchange for doing photography, please hit me up.  I"d love to work with you!!!

Besides improving photography, I want to continue to build my social media presence and to network more.  With my body image/ body positive posts being among some of the most of 2015, I'm also inspired to bring these issues to the forefront in the coming year as they fit into my blog.

With my mind on the future, the eye is going to the past today as I say hello to the new year with a recap of my ten most popular posts this year on the blog - these were the posts that YOU viewed the most!

#10.  Garden Party
This unique and pretty dress from ASOS was a spring/summer favorite, and it was popular with you all as well!

#9.  Unconditional Body Beautiful - Part 3:  My Journey on My Legs
The legs had it with this body positive post from the #UnconditionalBodyBeautiful series. 

#8.  What's New At eShakti
eShakti continues to be one of my favorite go-to retailers due to the variety of their selection and their customizing options.  This featured dress later became part of my closet and part of my second color and confidence series as seen here.

#7.  Black on Black
This simple look was one of my favorites this past summer.  All black is almost always a great choice, and I loved the gold accents and little color pops.

#6.  Giving Thanks
My Thanksgiving post was one of my popular posts this year!  This cozy sweater poncho is an easy go-to for casual wear and relaxed work looks.

#5.  Snowy Whites
One of my favorite posts this year was this snow angel look, and it was also one of my most popular!!  

#4.  Unconditional Body Beautiful - Part One:  My Body and I From The Beginning
The first of the #UnconditionalBodyBeautiful series, I discussed by changing, often complicated relationship with my body over the years.

#3.  Drapey Blazers & Python Clutches
Honestly, this one surprised me as it was actually one of my least favorite posts of 2015!!!  I wasn't particularly happy with either outfit - neither was as fashion-forward as I like to be, and the blue outfit came off much more matronly than in my head.

#2.  Unconditional Body Beautiful - Part 4:  My Belly and Me
One of my very favorite posts, I discuss my fears of baring the belly and its "growth' over the years while wearing an outfit that I adore!  Overcoming some of my body issues was a big deal for me this year, and I loved participating in the #UnconditionalBodyBeautiful series as it gave me the opportunity to share honest conversations about body image with all of you.

#1.  Unconditional Body Beautiful - Part 9:  My Face Is Up Here
My most popular post of 2015 was another installment of the #UnconditionalBodyBeautiful series.  I opened up about my anxiety over my lazy eye and get real about what I love (and don't love) about my face.

Did any of your favorites make the cut?  What do you want to see on the blog in 2016?  Any and all suggestions/ideas are appreciated!

See my most popular posts of 2014 here.

2015 in Review - My Favorite Posts This Year!

I can't believe 2015 is winding to a close.  This year seemed to whiz by super quickly!  As the year went on, it became harder to find time for blogging, but as I look back at 2015, it is fun to look at my posts over the last year and explore my style highs and lows!

These are my favorite posts from 2015 in chronological order:

Yellow & Red
In 2015, I tried to experiment more with color and to branch off a little from my usual desires to wear all black.  This combination of yellow and red was fun, and this yellow dress is one of my favorites!  This slightly oversized black blazer from Eloquii also quickly became the biggest go-to piece in my wardrobe, so much so that it might need to be replaced in 2016!

Gilding The Lily
I'm in love with the golden pleats on this skirt, and I adore how this look manages to be so dressy and pulled together while still having a cool laid-back feel about it. 

Fun with Zippers and Antiquarian Couture
A moto jacket, fringe booties, and a simple but sexy shift dress are casual, comfortable, and versatile.  Plus, black and white...

This is What A Feminist Looks Like
While this outfit definitely wasn't among my favorites of the year, I loved the post - I've been a feminist since before I knew what a feminist was, and this year, I felt like I was able to come full circle into really understanding what being a feminist means to me.

Snowy Whites
I had so much fun with this winter wonderland look!!  It was so cold and snowy in March, and I just wanted to bring on the spring!!  The floral clutch, tree necklace, and mixed whites made me feel like a spring fairy, trying to bring a bit of spring to the bitter cold.

Unconditional Body Beautiful - Part 4:  My Belly and Me
This year, I've really tried to get over my body hang-ups - one way I did that was through deliberate fashion choices that revealed parts of my body about which I have the greatest anxieties.  My midriff got a lot of exposure this year (especially after #CropGate), but this was probably my favorite of the belly baring looks!

Art of Work
Spring always makes me want to break out with more color, and this past spring, this brushstroke print dress was definitely a favorite. 

Punky Sexy Day-Glo Lady
I absolutely love this kilt!  After several years, these neon yellow heels still feel fresh and fun, and rocking a waist-length neckline as a 37 year-old with a DDD chest just felt sooo punk rock! ;-D

Midis & Crop Tops
This year, I tried to explore hem lengths more.  I have never been one to stick with the most "flattering" hemlines and shapes, but midis have generally been my least chosen.  I wore a lot more midis this year, but this laser-cut A-line shape was probably my favorite of the bunch!

Unconditional Body Beautiful - Part 6:  Body Hair
Summer brought on a first for the blog - a post dedicated to swimwear!!  I was initially unnerved about doing this post (all my body issues rearing their head), but the photo shoot was so fun, and in the end, I just decided to embrace my beach body.  Besides, this swimsuit was just too fierce not to share on the blog!

Black for Summer:  Culotte Jumpsuit
I always enjoyed playing with different shapes when I was thinner, so I don't see any reason that I should have to stick to the same boring shapes just because I've gained weight.  Cropped culottes are "dont's" for both petites and curvy women.  Hmmmm...they're a do for this curvy petite!!

Bringing Color To The Workplace
When you have to be at work during the summer, it helps when you are wearing comfortable clothes that you love.  This blue pleated maxi skirt and embroidered crop top are so relaxed, but the blazer pulls things together.  This outfit was a surprising go-to for work several times over the summer.

Wedding Spectactular:  A Guest Look & Wedding Pics
I got married this year, so of course, my wedding post was among my favorites!!!  The bohemian feel of my dress and hair was a great choice for a summer wedding.

Wild Card Wednesday:  Leather and Lace
The year of really stepping out of my comfort zone continued in September with this sheer lace maxi dress.  I've come up with a few other ways to style this dress, but this version is my favorite. 

Imitation Game:  Eloquii Fall 2015
While I definitely ventured into wearing more color this past year, I also focused on interesting new basics, like this carwash pleat skirt.  I love it when an outfit manages to feel both super professional and stylish, like this outfit made me feel!

Manic Monday:  Day to Night
While peplums are super flattering, I had grown out of favor of them after they seemed to be everywhere for too long.  This skirt caught my attention though because the peplum was a little more exaggerated than on most skirts.  This cropped jacket is several years old but continues to be a favorite piece in my wardrobe - it's really hard to find a well-fitting cropped jacket when you're so petite!!

Wild Card Wednesday:  Faux Fur & Velvet
Lately, I've definitely been into faux fur, and I love this outfit because of the jacket but also because of the mix of textures - the velvet booties with the more casual cotton twill skirt, for example.  This eyelash clutch has been my favorite since early fall. 

Evening Textures
The last favorite on my list is one of my most recent posts - this monochromatic mix of faux fur, fringe, and lace-up heels.  There's nothing that I don't love about this look!  The dress is so sophisticated, but the fringe makes it fun.  I love looking polished and pulled-together, but I always like to be a little unexpected.  This textured look feels classy but retains a youthfulness!

Do you remember any of my favorites?  More re-caps of 2015 coming to the blog soon!